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Mati Temple (Horse’s Hoof Temple) is a group of Buddha grottoes located in the Linsong Mountain in the Gansu Province. Thousands of grottoes are grouped together in seven clusters, and each group of grottoes is no more than 1.5 kilometers or so from another. human-made tunnels link the various grottoes.
The history of Mati Temple is so ancient that it is shrouded in mystery and legends. Legend has it that Long Ma (a winged horse with dragon scales in Chinese mythology) descended from the heavens and left a hoof print on the place where the temple was established. The site is mentioned in a travelogue from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (265-420), and it is described as a chiseled-out cave in the process of being enlarged and decorated with Buddha statues. However, analysis of the existing grottoes and statues suggests that they are from the fifth and sixth centuries.
There’s no building that could be classified as a temple in the strict sense of the term; instead, this is a whole mountain carved into a temple. Arguably, the section of the cliff carved out as a pagoda is the most impressive part of Mati Temple. It’s nearly 60 meters in height. It’s divided into seven floors and houses seven grottoes, an intricate set of tunnels, and 200 Buddha statues. Reaching the top of the temple requires climbing uneven steps through narrow passages in the dark, but the view is worth the effort. A much venerated but less impressive section of the Mati Temple complex is the Thousand Buddha Temple. This part of the cliff is pockmarked with openings that let some light into the grottoes. Its two floors are also packed with Buddha statues.
Essential Info When to Go: Anytime from April - October when the weather is comfortable and the sun is shining. The most vivid colors only appear with the addition of sunshine, so avoid coming ona cloudy day. Winter in Gansu Province is harsh, so it’s not advised to visit too far outside of the April – October range as sub-freezing temperatures, strong wind, and snow will certainly dampen your experience, and may even close the park. Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours per site, at least 2-3 days in Zhangye Admission Fee: Tickets booked through himalayawander Note: The different sites are all in a different direction, and the driving distance is at least 1 hour away (one way). Danxia Landform Geopark (Rainbow Mountains), Binggou Scenic Area (Ice Valley), Pingshanhu Gran Canyon, Mati Temple, Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo) & Wooden Pagoda Temple Kindly Note: In the park you can only walk on the indicated paths Altitude: 2.500 meters Location: Gansu Province
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